Miguel B. Fernandez Family Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning

The Miguel B. Fernandez Family Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning marks a transformative next chapter in Loyola University Maryland’s commitment to career-focused, Jesuit education. The project combines a 35,000-square-foot addition with the renovation and revitalization of historic 1922 Beatty Hall, doubling the building’s size and creating a dynamic new entry point to campus. Positioned at the campus gateway, the center invites the surrounding community in while preparing students to engage with the world beyond Loyola.

The design blurs boundaries between old and new: high-performance glass façades showcase activity within, while restored stonework and the fully preserved south façade of Beatty Hall celebrate Loyola’s architectural heritage. Interior spaces are open, light-filled, and highly flexible, with approximately 70% of the building dedicated to shared, collaborative environments. Behavioral and social sciences, education programs, the Forbes Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Rizzo Career Center are brought together in an “academic loft” that promotes interdisciplinary learning, mentorship, and creative exploration.

Engineering Smart, Healthy, and Sustainable Systems

In partnership with Shepley Bulfinch, Mueller delivered comprehensive MEP engineering services for both the new addition and the historic Beatty Hall renovation, integrating high-performance systems that support the university’s goals for wellness, sustainability, and long-term operational efficiency. Notable engineering features include:

• A state-of-the-art air handling unit with UV-C arrays for enhanced air purification

• 100% LED lighting and daylight-responsive controls

• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures that reduce annual consumption by 40%

• High-performance glazing and exterior sun shades to maximize daylight and reduce heat gain

• A living bio-wall near the café that supports biophilic design and indoor air quality

The project achieved LEED Gold certification, making it Loyola’s first LEED-certified building. Healthy, low-emission materials, recycled finishes, and access to natural light contribute to an environment centered on student well-being. Outdoor learning areas—including a landscaped court and an exterior classroom—further strengthen the connection between the building and its natural surroundings.

Check out the profile of the Fernandez Center in retrofit magazine here.